This came in with the most recent haul of random coins and medals. Clearly the Obverse is George II and the reverse is a crucifix and it would appear to have been a restrike on an existing coin by the ghosting of the cross on the obverse. However, the size is wrong for a George II Halfpenny - it measures about 30mm across and the max should be 28mm. Any ideas as to an alternative flan base? Or how it has come about? Anyone seen one of these before and know who did them and when? Thanks,
Would this coin being a Re-strike or put in a press make it grow the 1mm all the way around. It surly would if a collar was not used. Re-stamped without collar is my guess. It is quite interesting the way it has the indent.
That is a possibility I considered. When I measured it it came out closer to the Halfpenny size than I expected - it feels a lot bigger. Still interested to know who and when?
Wow, that is some ghosting. Guessing the coin was a bit thin due to being shaved down on one side. Would help explain why it grew an extra 2mm and the deep ghosting.
The details of the coin inside the indent show it was made a long time ago. Most of the wear is from after the re-strike. It was done carefully as not to damage the bust of George II. What is the weight difference? I had not thought of it as being shaved on the reverse.
I hadn't thought of it being shaved until @Numismat suggested it. I have just checked - weights 9.88gm, which is full whack for a halfpenny, so either has not been shaved or was a different coin to start with. Curiouser and curiouser!
I honesty think it started out as a real halfpenny. Than there is a hundred speculations what it could have been made for. The wear on it after it was re-struck calls to mind a favorite pocket-piece. I don't think it would/could have been kept in circulation as currency after the re-strike. It was not crudely done. And that makes me think that it could have been made by a Die-Sinker to make some extra money. I think you are very fortunate to have this coin find you. I also must ask about the space at the very top of the Cross, it looks like it may had housed something like a small jewel, it seems very rough compared to the rest of the surfaces.
Yes there is an odd rough ring at the top. I had thought it was a lug from a possible suspender, but the jewel idea is also possible. Much as I find this interesting, I will move it on soon - it does not fit into my collection and I can't afford to hold onto everything!
The image of the crucified Jesus seems very much in the Spanish model. I am guessing something picked up in the West Indies as a memento of some interaction, commerce or war relic (War of Austrian Succession?) between colonial Brits and Spaniards.
From the way the obverse is sunk, looks like it was struck on the obverse with a rounded cross shaped punch onto the relieved reverse die, giving it that depth. The reverse may have been filed flat to give a clear field for the crucifix image. You can see some ghost lines on the reverse. Probably a half penny filed flat on the reverse. That's what I think.
